How to get GTA type Cartoon Effect In Photoshop CS5?

Question

I'm new to Photoshop and was wondering how to achieve this sort of cartoon effect. I looked everywhere, youtube, blogs and stuff but still non were close to what I'm looking for. Look at the picture for clarity:

_{image from deviantart.com}

I tried the following but didn't get what I was looking for:

Made a duplicate layer of the image and then Filter -> Sketch -> Stamp and after that multiply them.

Image -> Adjustment -> Posterize

Filer -> Sharpen -> Unsharp Mask

Using PS CS5 Extended.

Screenshots from my experiment:

Is there any fast and better way of doing it? Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm pretty sure the image you'd like to recreate wasn't made using Photoshop filters of plugins. I think it was most likely created using vectors on adobe illustrator or created using some other sort of illustration. They won't have converted a photo to the cartoon style. They would have used the photo as just a guideline for their own separate minimalist illustration.

TLDR; It wasn't created using an effect. It's a separate illustration made from scratch and can't be replicated using Photoshop filters.

I'd suggest looking into digital illustration if you want to create something like that, but there's no fast or easy way of doing it.

Answer 2

I think you're trying to achieve a vector feel for your image, in which case, you would need to spend time creating vector from your original photo/artwork/design. Try Googling "vectorizing" or something similar and maybe you'll find what you're looking for.

It is impossible using Photoshop's adjustments to images, and in fact, I think, vectorizing is easier done with Illustrator, not Photoshop (Photoshop is for photo manipulation and raster images).

Answer 3

If you don't feel like learning Illustrator (it's a pain at first if you're only used to Photoshop but it's absolutely invaluable for making any kind of mass-reporoducible work), you can:

Open the original photo in PS, and think like a screen printer: make a new layer for each color , and using the pen tool, trace each solid color on the newly created layer, then fill that path, then create a new layer for next color on top the previous one, repeat. The look you want is just generalizing colors. instead of photorealistic color shift, the whole face is one skin tone, etc. You'll get the hang of it. A fun way to start is to take a headshot of yourself and practice on that.

Answer 4

I don't think you can achieve anywhere to that with plugin nor effect because that is illustration.

Only thing you can get closer would be build your image with simplicity.